Teen Wilderness Explorers Camp Director

Downers Grove Park District•Downers Grove, IL

19h•$18•Onsite

About The Position

Teen Wilderness Explorers Camp Director About us: The Downers Grove Park District enriches our community through natural area preservation and exceptional recreation, parks, and facilities that inspire memorable experiences. With almost 600 acres of parks and facilities, there are thousands of opportunities for individuals of all ages and interests to grow, play, imagine and explore. Learn more at dgparks.org. The Opportunity: The Teen Wilderness Explorers Camp Director guides activities for the nature-based Teen Wilderness Explorers summer camp for children ages 10-14. The Camp Director will work with and guide assisting Nature Camp Counselors/Teen Camp Counselors, as well as help supervise high school age volunteers. A high priority is placed on communication, organization, and safety with this position. Pay: Pay Rate: $18.00/hr Additional Benefits: Free membership to the 4500 Fitness Center Red Cross First Aid and CPR Certification Training Various District Discounts Work Schedule: Monday – Friday: 8:30am-4:30pm You may work morning shifts (8:30am-12:30pm), afternoon shifts (12:30pm-4:30pm), but will primarily work full day shifts (8:30am-4:30pm) depending on your personal availability and our camp scheduling needs. We offer 11 weeks of half-day and full day camps- June 8 to August 21 You may work 20-40 hours depending on enrollment and staff availability Flexible time for weeks or days off as needed and approved by supervisor Staff training and orientation the last week of May and/or 1st week of June (details tbd). A Day in the Life: Drive District vehicles to transport participants, volunteers, staff and supplies Manage necessary records, including attendance sheets, emergency forms, accident reports in accordance with District policy Communicate with parents/guardians and Park District stakeholders regarding any issues or concerns. Set and enforce camp rules, safety guidelines (such as distributing medication) and expectations with both staff, volunteers and campers Organize, prepare, instruct, and evaluate all aspects of daily camp activities. Observe and assess appropriateness of campers’ behaviors and apply appropriate behavior management techniques. Promptly bring behavioral or disciplinary concern to the camp supervisor. Maintain, organize, clean, put away, and inventory camp program equipment, and ensure program supplies and spaces are clean and orderly. Performs all other duties and responsibilities not covered above, but directed by a Lyman Woods supervisor Must have regular, consistent, and predictable attendance Follows and adheres to Park District policy and safety guidelines Job may be modified at any time Requirements for the Role: Must be 21 years of age or older Must possess a valid driver’s license Must be able to transport participants, staff, volunteers and supplies to and from Park District facilities as well as to field trip locations within the region Follow and implement Downers Grove Park District policies and guidelines, including safety practices Performs all other duties and responsibilities not covered above, but directed by Lyman Woods camp supervisor Attend staff meetings, trainings, and special events Must possess certification in CPR and First Aid or complete First Aid and CPR certification training within 3 months of start date About you: Must be able to work outdoors in various weather conditions Strong problem-solving and communication skills Able to adapt to changes in environment and program structure Experience working with children and leading them in outdoor activities; prior day camp experience a plus Knowledge of or experience pertaining to local wildlife, ecology, environmental studies, natural history, or similar life-science based content preferred. College-level coursework in environmental education, interpretation, education, natural sciences or related field preferred 1+ years informal or formal education teaching experience a plus Able to hike, stand, sit, crouch for extended periods of time, as well as occasionally lifting objects up to 30 lbs. What sets up apart: Flexible hours Supportive and friendly coworkers Collaborative and connected management Develop your problem-solving, communication, and leadership experience Learn important life skills such as time management and influencing others Work for a Distinguished Agency Park District The Downers Grove Park District is an EOE. The District is required by Illinois Statute (70 ILCS 1205/8-23) to obtain a criminal conviction information concerning applicants, and shall perform a criminal background check for applicant for all positions, including the position for which you have applied. Applicants are not obligated to disclose sealed or expunged records of convictions. Conviction of offenses enumerated in subsection (c) of said statute shall automatically disqualify the applicant from consideration for working for the District. All other convictions shall not automatically disqualify the applicant from consideration, but rather, the conviction will be considered in relationship to the specific job.

Requirements

Must be 21 years of age or older
Must possess a valid driver’s license
Must be able to transport participants, staff, volunteers and supplies to and from Park District facilities as well as to field trip locations within the region
Follow and implement Downers Grove Park District policies and guidelines, including safety practices
Must possess certification in CPR and First Aid or complete First Aid and CPR certification training within 3 months of start date
Must be able to work outdoors in various weather conditions
Strong problem-solving and communication skills
Able to adapt to changes in environment and program structure
Able to hike, stand, sit, crouch for extended periods of time, as well as occasionally lifting objects up to 30 lbs.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with children and leading them in outdoor activities; prior day camp experience a plus
Knowledge of or experience pertaining to local wildlife, ecology, environmental studies, natural history, or similar life-science based content preferred.
College-level coursework in environmental education, interpretation, education, natural sciences or related field preferred
1+ years informal or formal education teaching experience a plus

Responsibilities

Drive District vehicles to transport participants, volunteers, staff and supplies
Manage necessary records, including attendance sheets, emergency forms, accident reports in accordance with District policy
Communicate with parents/guardians and Park District stakeholders regarding any issues or concerns.
Set and enforce camp rules, safety guidelines (such as distributing medication) and expectations with both staff, volunteers and campers
Organize, prepare, instruct, and evaluate all aspects of daily camp activities.
Observe and assess appropriateness of campers’ behaviors and apply appropriate behavior management techniques.
Promptly bring behavioral or disciplinary concern to the camp supervisor.
Maintain, organize, clean, put away, and inventory camp program equipment, and ensure program supplies and spaces are clean and orderly.
Performs all other duties and responsibilities not covered above, but directed by a Lyman Woods supervisor
Must have regular, consistent, and predictable attendance
Follows and adheres to Park District policy and safety guidelines
Job may be modified at any time
Performs all other duties and responsibilities not covered above, but directed by Lyman Woods camp supervisor
Attend staff meetings, trainings, and special events